Balloon Hovercraft MK3 With Working Propeller

Balloon Hovercraft MK3 With Working Propeller

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X1 Carbon
P1S
P1P
X1
X1E
A1
A1 mini

New Updated Design 04/02/25 0.2mm layer, 2 walls, 5% infill
New Updated Design 04/02/25 0.2mm layer, 2 walls, 5% infill
Designer
4.7 h
4 plates
4.2(43)

New Design with Removable Balloon Plug for easy inflation
New Design with Removable Balloon Plug for easy inflation
Designer
4.7 h
4 plates

Open in Bambu Studio
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Description

🚀 Exciting Upgrades to the Balloon-Powered Hovercraft! 🎈✨

 

The Watson’s Lab Hovercraft Mk.3 (or is it 4 now?) has received a gust of improvements! 🌬️💨

 

🛠️ Sleeker & Smarter Internal Design: The main model now glides into existence with fewer internal overhangs and a more efficient use of filament—because every gram counts when crafting airborne marvels!

 

🎈 A Brilliant New Removable Balloon Plug: No more tedious deflating/reflating (what? reflating's a word!) and reattaching! This clever little addition lets you pause the fun with a simple pinch at the tip and a small screw. Just hold the balloon’s tip in place until you’re ready to whoosh into action again!

 

I hope these updates bring a smile to your face and a little extra lift to your day! ✨ As always, I am endlessly grateful for your support, enthusiasm, and encouragement—it truly means the world to me. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being part of this journey! 💙🚀🎈

 

Welcome to the design I’ve been dreaming of making for ages! After weeks of tinkering, tweaking, and perhaps a little talking to myself, I’m proud to present this model. While it might still have a few quirks here and there (perfection is overrated, right?), this is as close as I’ve ever come to creating a working hovercraft. Yes, it’s propelled by an actual propeller, and yes, it’s powered entirely by the mighty puff of a balloon. Science meets fun!

 

My goal was to design something completely 3D-printable—no extra bits, bobs, or trips to the hardware store needed. The parts are made to fit together snugly, but if you want to ensure those propeller blades don’t go rogue mid-trip, a dab of glue might be your best friend (I’ll leave that decision in your capable hands).

 

I hope this model brings you as much joy as it brought me creating it. It’s been a true labor of love (and, let’s be honest, occasional exasperation). In one of the photos, you can even spot the finished model triumphantly perched atop its many, many failed siblings. Innovation, right? 

 

If you have any feedback or ideas for improvement, don’t hold back—I’m always up for revisiting and refining my designs. Happy printing, and may your hovercraft adventures be smooth and balloon-powered!

 

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Comment & Rating (103)

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New Updated Design 04/02/25 0.2mm layer, 2 walls, 5% infill
i thought it was with pause with colour change. thats why i missed to switch at the right time. my bad. got confused haha
The designer has replied
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It still looks great. Hope you have fun with it.
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Replying to @WatsonsLab :
Thanks! yes we have had some fun with it, both on the floors and tried in the bathtub.
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Oh, that's absolutely fantastic! It fills me with so much pride and joy to see my little creations out in the world, spreading happiness and making a difference in people's lives. It’s like watching a piece of my imagination come alive and bring smiles to others!
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Hi collegue! Funny we had similar ideas! I really like your idea of spinnig the propeller with a paddle wheel, I will print yours, too! As I see in the gif, you have the same "issue" of the balloon being too heavy so it turns around the hovercraft
The designer has replied
8
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Hi there. I've made so many designs my head is spinning. I even had a dual propellor model, however with 2 paddle wheels it was just too much the balloon deflated too quickly and that's been one of my greatest complaints. The unpredictability of the balloon has become the bain of my life but I've just had to accept that perfection is out of reach. At least for the moment. Still it's been fun. I think your design is ingenious only requiring 1 hole in the base to get it to float.
(Edited)
1
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Print Profile
New Updated Design 04/02/25 0.2mm layer, 2 walls, 5% infill
nice looking and works pretty good.I added a spacer between the turbine and the connector and added 3 in one oil
The designer has replied
2
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Love the colours. Looks amazing! Hope you have fun with it.
1
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Print Profile
New Updated Design 04/02/25 0.2mm layer, 2 walls, 5% infill
With Bambu PLA basic the print failed us twice on the inferior cavity walls. High probability of failure. Printed on an A1 mini with no alterations to the project file.
The designer has replied
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Hi Ian, sorry you have had this issue, I'm currently testing an updated design of this model and should have it uploaded today if you'd like to give it another try.
0
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Replying to @WatsonsLab :
It is difficult to print given the interior space has extreme angle overhangs leading to the need for printing support. Unfortunately any interior supports will get locked into the print once complete. I was able to slice the model in half horizontally and add connecting pins so I could print with suppprts and remove them before assembling the two halves. Thanks for the update to the design for others. Bumping up to 3 stars for good feedback and continued updates based on feedback.
(Edited)
1
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Print Profile
New Updated Design 04/02/25 0.2mm layer, 2 walls, 5% infill
Had to print the blades a few times, but overall a very nice print. Thank you!
1
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A fascinating model, I've printed it, but not entirely successfully. One of the propellers tilted during printing, while the rest printed successfully. The boat successfully floated, but only for a very short time. My balloon only kept it aloft for about half a second, the gas escaping too quickly. The holes may need to be smaller. Additionally, some areas of the rear wheel assembly are too thin and easily damaged during assembly. The current gas volume is also insufficient to rotate the propellers and generate enough thrust.
The designer has replied
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Hi there, Have you had a chance to try the updated model file? You can distinguish it by the reduced number of holes on the base (now 6 instead of 8). I’ve also made several adjustments to address the issues you mentioned (hopefully all of them!). These include various tweaks such as a lighter overall model, increased clearance on the rear propeller shaft, and a thicker drive wheel housing. Let me know your thoughts—I’d love to hear how it works for you!
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2 attempts both failed in the same point. a cute angles (edges) not being supported. Printed on Bambu Lab A1 no other alterations. could you split the body in 2 halves? That might sort the issue and simplify the printing process.
The designer has replied
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Hello, I’ve just uploaded the latest version of the model. This update should address any previous issues. If there is still minor stringing inside the model, it should resolve itself without affecting the external appearance. The model will function as intended.
1
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Looking forward to not sharing with the kids!
The designer has replied
5
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Well, you could amend the statement from 'should only be operated WITH a responsible adult' to 'should only be operated BY a responsible adult.' enjoy :o)
2
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Slicing regardless of layer height gives me this. Blue lines are to be printed in mid air. So its doomed to fail. Am I missing a setting somewhere? :-)
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don’t have an ams has to manually switch also I wish if you put all the blades on one plate.
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